5 Day Kakadu Tour from Darwin

Start your adventure by departing from Darwin and heading out to the Wetlands Region, where the magnificent scenery of the top end puts on a show. Along the way, we have ample opportunity to spot a massive range of top-end birdlife, not to mention some fresh and salty apex predators… crocodiles! We journey to Kakadu National Park, where our home for the next two nights in Jabiru awaits. The Bowali Visitor Centre offers a beautiful introduction to the Park’s landscape and wildlife, and we take time to soak it in before checking into our local accommodation. After some relaxation, we journey northeast to *Cahills Crossing on the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. We will visit one of the world’s best-preserved collections of Aboriginal Rock Art at Ubirr rock upon sunset. This incredibly significant site showcases many rock art styles and allows us to climb high for a sunset that will blow you away looking out over the Nadab Floodplain. After a big day, we head back to our cozy private camp and prepare dinner together, enjoying an evening with our fellow travellers.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1km loop Grade 2-3

We rise and shine early on day two and go south into Kakadu National Park. Today, we’ll soak up the area’s spectacular natural beauty, hiking through lush monsoon rainforests and swimming in pristine plunge pools and waterfalls surrounded by steep escarpments and rocky cliffs.
We aim to visit one or more available waterfalls depending on the group’s physical ability to complete the hike(s). This can include Motor Car Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls or Moline Rockhole.
Many factors affect accessibility, although your guide will ensure you get the best experience possible.
Time permitting, we stop at the Warradjan Cultural Centre and Gallery, where we explore the stories of the artefacts that the traditional owners wish to share with visitors. Feel free to discuss the area’s evolving social, cultural and environmental changes as we return to camp for a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Jabiru Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: Minimum 150km, depending on waterfall access. Please note this includes a minimum of
40 km offroad on each journey.
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km – 4km & up to Grade 5/6

This morning, we discovered Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) rock art, Kunwarddewardde Lookout and have the potential to explore the surrounding areas of Nawurlandja Lookout and Anbangbang Billabong. Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock features incredible Aboriginal rock art and Dreamtime stories of the Bininj people. Another 4WD track awaits us as we travel south and enjoy a picnic lunch at the plunge pool of Barramundi.
Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall is one of Kakadu’s most picturesque and pristine waterfalls. Please note at least a moderate to high level of fitness and agility is required here, with flat pathways combined with rocky
crossings leading you to the plunge pool through the monsoon forest. After our 2km walk, swim and lunch, we head south through Kakadu National Park towards our private safari campsite in Katherine, where we can relax under the stars and enjoy the evening’s hospitality around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities)
Driving Distance: 420km
Hike Distance and Grading: 1.5km Grade 3

It’s an early beginning today to reach Nitmiluk National Park and board your 2-hour NitNit Katherine Gorge boat cruise – an absolute must-do in the Top End. This cruise shows you down the middle of 70m sheer rock walls with wildlife hiding near every corner. You will marvel at your surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere of the cruise in an area rich in design stories. If you are also curious in doing a scenic helicopter flight after the cruise, a spectrum of options are available to take in the stunning views of Nitmiluk and Katherine Gorge. It’s now time to resume our journey, making our way to the gorgeous Edith Falls for further relaxation in picture-perfect Top End surroundings with a picnic lunch, a huge plunge pool beneath a cascading waterfall, and a welcome opportunity to cool off!

After your day of culture, walks and swims, we head back to our private campsite for a stunning sunset and evening stargazing.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Camping: Private Katherine Campsite – Permanent Tents or Bush Swags (communal bathroom facilities).
Options: Scenic helicopter flights
Driving Distance: 470km
Hike Distance and Grading: 2km Grade 2-4 depending on the walk embarked on. The main pool (when open) is a short walk with low grades. Upper pools require a reasonably steep climb descent and at least a moderate level of fitness and agility.

Our experience is not yet complete as we now head into Litchfield National Park on our way back to Darwin for the end of our fifth day.
Leaving Katherine, we travel north towards the world-class Litchfield National Park, surrounded by thick pockets of tropical rainforest, offering a fantastic escape from the heat of the Top End.
View the monolithic Magnetic Termite Mounds and then have an opportunity to cool in Litchfield’s beautiful natural plunge pools like Buley Rockholes or Wangi Falls. Visit a thundering waterfall like Florence Falls or
Tolmer Falls and marvel at the sheer beauty carved out among the rocky escarpment. Fully relaxed and rejuvenated after your fifth day of exploration and adventure, relax comfortably as your guide delivers you back to Darwin for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Driving Distance: 470 km
Walking Distance: 1km – 2km

*Autopia Tours reserves the right to alter the route or itinerary schedule during seasonal weather fluctuations and park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies.